PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.
Showdown Displays (PPAI 254687, S11) is a privately-held global manufacturer and supplier of visual communication, event and display products. In addition to the promotional products industry, its products and services are also marketed through authorized partners such as marketing & experiential agencies, exhibit display providers, sign shops, commercial printers and event planners.

The Brooklyn, Minnesota-based company was recently awarded a 2023 silver medal for its achievements in sustainability and overall efforts to reduce its carbon footprint from EcoVadis, an international sustainability rating agency. The silver rating places Showdown Displays in the top 25% of all companies assessed worldwide.

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.
For BEL Promo, the accolades keep coming. BEL Promo (PPAI 362224, S10) is a trusted promotional products supplier serving the industry. The Florida-based supplier offers one of the industry’s largest selections of drinkware including ceramic mugs, glassware, travel mugs and sports bottles.

In October 2022, BEL Promo announced the promotion of Susan Lewandowski to managing director. Lewandowski told PPAI, “We have only scratched the surface with our potential to become a top industry supplier. I am extremely excited for the future.” The longtime industry pro joined BEL Promo in 2018.

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.
SnugZ (PPAI 112982, S11) has undergone a series of changes in the past 18 months, including the January 2022 acquisition of industry supplier Sweda. The move has resulted in high-profile transformations of SnugZ’s in-house systems including an upgraded phone system, completely integrated internal systems and websites, and the hiring of 20 new customer service reps.

Although the transition didn’t go as smoothly as planned, CEO and President Brandon Mackay has publicly assured customers of the company’s commitment to service improvements and reducing lead times.

In February Snugz added 500 new items available through the ZIP-IT Next Day Shipping service. In April, the company announced a new chief financial officer, Shelly Allred.

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.
Outdoor Cap (PPAI 213485, S10) has been servicing the headwear industry for 45 years. Started in 1977, the Bentonville, Arkansas-based supplier now serves over 14,000 customers across multiple channels in the promotional products, team sports, and retail markets.

The supplier continues to diversify and expand license holdings, opening the opportunity to sell and distribute headwear for over 100 organizations. The company has also developed several of their own brands specific to the markets they currently serve. In May, PPAI announced that Outdoor Cap was one of the 71 to make PPAI’s Greatest Companies To Work For list for 2023.

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.
PCNA (PPAI 113079, S15) is one of many industry suppliers answering the call for responsible sourcing. In the spring of 2022 it launched ProudPath, an online platform that helps distributors navigate the company’s social and environmental policies including responsible sourcing, diversified manufacturers and the use of local materials.

In addition, PCNA is now sourcing 90% of its cotton from India and Bangladesh, instead of China, and is using inspectors to vet its partners in China.

The company, which has grown organically and through strategic acquisitions since its founding in the early 1970s, now includes Leed’s, Bullet, Trimark, ETS Express and JournalBooks. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polyconcept, a global company operating on five continents and selling in more than 100 countries.

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.

In 1983, Innovation Line (PPAI 112179, S7) got its start in a founder’s garage. Today, the California-based supplier is an industry leader with hundreds of employees serving clients’ promotional marketing needs.

The supplier calls itself an expert in technology, printing equipment and physical plant infrastructure. Innovation Line consistently receives positive reviews for its customer service, product quality and problem resolution, with A+ ratings and five stars ratings. While thankful for the accolades, Innovation Line says, “nothing gets our team more excited than a ‘thank you’ email from an appreciative distributor who was able to close a deal due to our creativity and flexibility.”

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.
Like some other industry suppliers, Koozie Group (PPAI 114187, S13) is working to reduce its reliance on products made in China. In a recent article in PPAI Magazine, Pierre Montaubin, senior vice president of product management and sourcing said of the company’s spend in Asia, 90% of it is still coming from China. In comparison, in 2016-2017, it was 97%. Over the past few years, some production has been moved from China to Vietnam, Bangladesh and India, and the company has considered Mexico as an alternative source.

In environmental matters, since late 2020, the supplier has been working with a third-party to conduct impartial end-user surveys to identify what it calls KG Factor items, products designed to lessen environmental impact through longevity. The initiative is part of Koozie Group’s product strategy around its sustainability commitment called Keep It. Give It. Today, 77% of its product assortment – a total of 1,944 items – has earned the KG Factor designation. The company’s goal was originally to reach the 50% mark by 2024.